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What finishes for spraying cabinets?

17K views 30 replies 13 participants last post by  Mr_Stop 
#1 ·
I'm trying to up my finishing game on cabinets, trim and built-ins. Preferably, I want something that is durable, great finish and low odor. Easy to spray would be an added bonus. What are the products and you use for finishing? If you use different ones, when do you decide on one versus the other?

I have used a variety of products over the years. Most recently, Sherwin Williams Pro Classic (brush/roller) for some built in shelves and trim. I really like how it levels out and might consider spraying it at some point. I'm not sure about the long term durability of the Pro Classic versus other finishes. I also just sprayed a bathroom vanity with Sherwin Williams Sher-Wood pre-cat laquer. I loved spraying the stuff and the finish, but did not like the fumes (fortunately it was not sprayed at a clients house).

In terms of equipment, I have a variety of compressor driven HVLP guns, a Titan 440ix airless, and an old 2-stage Campbell Hausfeld turbine. I'm considering upgrading the turbine to a 4 or 5 stage (thinking Fuji Q4 or Q5) for use onsite. I don't think Air Assisted Airless is right for me as my cabinet projects are less frequent and smaller scale. Recommendations on the HVLP turbine?
 
#2 ·
All the stuff I use stinks to high hell. Need a booth and somewhat special equipment.

You'll be looking for a waterborne finish, I don't use them so I can't really give much advice on the products.
 
#6 ·
I have looked at Target coatings in the past. Unfortunately, I don't think there is a distributor near me so I would have to order direct. Not that I'm opposed to shipping, but something local would be much easier.


Curious on what makes the Emerald Urethane better than the ProClassic?


I have seen the Kem Aqua mentioned previously. So this is basically a water-borne version of their pre-cat laquer?


It's been awhile since I have really looked into paint/coating technology. Is there a good resource to get up to speed on the different products / technologies offered?
 
#7 · (Edited)
SW lines I use;

I've sprayed with HVLP turbine, airless, 395 AAA, 15:1 Merkur

Kem Aqua Plus (cabinet finish)

Hydro Plus, can be catalyzed (cabinet finish)

Pro Classic, longer coalesce time (just oaky for cabinets)

Emerald Urethane

Pre-cat waterborne epoxy

BM;

Advance, very long coalesce time (good for trim, avoid on cabinets)

Avoid PPG Breakthrough.

Target and General Finish are good, I do not like M.L. Campbell waterborne.

Tom
 
#9 ·
I assume you are buying the SW products through their industrial division? My local store doesn't really have a clue unless it goes on drywall. How's the lead time on the waterborne color match? If I recall, the pre cat lacquer took almost a week to mix.
 
#19 ·
I've sprayed emerald Urethane out of an hvlp, graco 9.5/ Plus gun, and was very happy with the results. I'll be doing it again in a week or so.

Price wise, emerald Urethane is only a couple bucks more per gallon than pro classic alkyd.

I had issues spraying PC alkyd, but I was also learning how to spray at the same time. When I have some time I might revisit it. I was not a fan of how long it took to dry/ harden (Tom did warn me about that though)

-Rich
 
#20 ·
That's why I spray conversion varnish. But it's not something you'd want to spray in a home. Which I've done.
 
#24 ·
I wouldn't use it in a bathroom or the wet areas of a kitchen. It just doesn't have the lasting power. I used it for a decade and about that time I started seeing water failures. I had moved onto MagnaKlear by then and they changed the formula and it would randomly wrinkle on me. Then I changed to Krystal, which is a 2 part conversion varnish, and that seems to hold up to the water areas much better.

The best thing about the precats is very little waste. You can pour it back into the can and reuse it at a later time. The CV has an 8 hour pot life and after that it gets tossed.
 
#26 ·
Well that exactly what they told me too. And that's what the sell sheets say.

They are just selling product. And if it makes it through the warranty period you have no recourse.

I've learned. Post cats in bathrooms and kitchens. On furniture precats are fine.
 
#27 ·
Not saying you're wrong, but my sales rep is actually a finisher first. His dad owns a large cabinet shop in Kansas City & he used to run his finish dept. So he's not your average book knowledge salesman. As for warranty, if my clients call me with finish failure, I'll take care of them.
 
#28 ·
That's the thing. You'll take care of them. Not the Warranty
 
#29 ·
I use BIN shallac Primer, 2 coats, sanding between coats.
Then I use a product you can buy from Kelly Moore, its called Rustoleum Sierra Performance Beyond Acrylic Enamel. I use HVLP sprayer. it works like a charm, dries in 30 min, recoat in an hour. its used in commercial cafeterias so it holds up real well in high traffic areas. I've used breakthrough through ppg and have had call backs for touch up, I've never had a call back from the Sierra Performance. Im in California so its low VOC. its the BIN Shallac Primer that is stinky
 
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